Natural Areas

Explore Missouri's Original Landscapes

Missouri's natural areas represent some of the best—and last—examples of the state’s original natural landscape, each offering a shining example of Missouri’s outstanding biological and geological features. Hiking through a natural area, you can observe rare plants and animals that would have been familiar sights to native Americans or explorers, such as Lewis and Clark. Natural areas are defined as natural communities or geologic features that represent the natural character, diversity and ecological processes of Missouri’s native landscapes. Natural communities are groups of plants and animals and the landscapes, such as forests or prairies, that they inhabit—and that occur repeatedly throughout the state.

Use the information in this section to plan a visit to a natural area. Whether your interest is in nature study, birding, hiking, fishing, hunting or photography, you'll find a designated Missouri natural area to explore and enjoy your favorite low-impact outdoor recreational activity.

Natural Areas Directory

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Title	County	Designation Date
White River Balds	Taney	04/18/1983
Pelican Island	St. Louis	02/14/1983
George A. Hamilton Forest	Lincoln	02/14/1983
Big Spring	Carter	02/14/1983
Engelmann Woods	Franklin	01/21/1983
The Pinnacles	Boone	01/21/1983
Blue River Glades	Jackson	01/21/1983
Coakley Hollow Fen	Camden	08/25/1982
Tupelo Gum Pond	Oregon	08/24/1982
Diamond Grove Prairie	Newton	08/24/1982
Valley View Glades	Jefferson	08/24/1982
Hughes Mountain	Washington	08/24/1982
Mint Spring Seep	Gasconade	08/24/1982
Bennett Spring Hanging Fen	Dallas	03/18/1982
Spring Creek Gap Glades	Maries	02/25/1982
Allred Lake	Butler	02/25/1982
Otter Slough	Stoddard	02/25/1982
Beech Springs	Stoddard	12/04/1981
Ha Ha Tonka Karst	Camden	11/30/1981
Botkins Pine Woods	Ste. Genevieve	11/30/1981

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Get a complete alphabetical list of Natural Areas.

Natural Areas Visitor Guidelines

Regulations on each Missouri natural area vary, so please consult the area's Web page and call the manager for permitted uses and other details before you visit.

Natural Areas Newsletter

See the latest edition of the Missouri Natural Areas Newsletter for information on natural areas, natural community management, and biological diversity conservation news!